UHV Jaguars head coach Terry Puhl added depth to his pitching staff with the signing of former University of Houston pitcher John Touchton and two more freshmen pitchers.
Touchton, a senior right hander, pitched three seasons for the Cougars before sitting out the 2010 season. During his three seasons with the Cougars, Touchton compiled a 10-12 record and two saves. He worked 126 innings allowing 96 runs on 156 hits and 49 walks, while striking out 88.
"He throws in the low 90s and we're looking for him to battle for one of our starter roles," Puhl said. "We're definitely happy to get him as he brings lots of experience."
A graduate of Kingwood High School, Touchton was a 35th-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2006 amateur draft.
Along with Touchton, Puhl also signed four more freshmen to the 2011 squad and includes pitcher Chance Marek of Rogers, infielders Ryan Suescun and Cory Hulsey, both of Cy-Fair, and pitcher Justin Cudd of Katy.
Marek helped guide Rogers to the Class 2A state championship this past season. Marek threw a complete game in the championship game allowing one run on one hit and two walks, while striking out eight as he compiled an 8-1 record on the season. He also went 2-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base at the plate as was named the 2A tournament's MVP.
In the semifinal game he tossed a scoreless inning of relief allowing just one hit in a win over White Oak.
Marek also earned second team all-state honors at shortstop from the Texas Sports Writers Association.
Cudd was part of the Katy Tigers' state playoff runs as a sophomore and junior and was a first team All-District 18-5A selection as a sophomore as a designated hitter. He also has played for the Kyle Chapman baseball program, the best select program in Houston according to Puhl.
"I'm really impressed with him," Puhl said. "He has a good fastball and a quality changeup for a freshman. He also has good rotation on his breaking ball but needs to learn to throw it for strikeouts."
Suescun and Hulsey covered the middle infield for Cy-Fair, who lost in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs this past season to Spring. Suescun was a second team All-District 15-5A selection as a junior and senior.
"Both are very young and their strengths are in their gloves at this time," Puhl said. "I was looking for those types of players to strength the middle and that's what they bring. But over time, both will become stronger and more complete players."
Puhl is currently looking at 35 roster spots this season, including 14 freshmen.
